Mamelodi Sundowns advance in FIFA Intercontinental Cup with victory over Saudi Arabia's Al Ahli
Nuno Santos scored twice as Mamelodi Sundowns defeated Saudi Arabian side Al Ahli 2-1 in Pretoria on Saturday to advance in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.
The African champions secured the African-Asian-Pacific Cup and will now face the winner of the Derby of the Americas between Mexican side Toluca and a yet-to-be-confirmed South American representative.
The winner of that contest will progress to the Challenger Cup, with a place in the final against European champions Paris Saint-Germain at stake.
Sundowns opened the scoring in the 17th minute through Santos, who met an in-swinging cross from Teboho Mokoena with a header into the top corner beyond Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
The goal was Santos’ first contribution of the 2026/27 campaign after he had registered five goals and 11 assists last season.
Al Ahli responded just two minutes later. Ivan Toney broke down the left and delivered a low cross towards Firas Al Buraikan, whose effort was initially saved by Ronwen Williams before the ball rebounded off the goalkeeper and into the net.
The visitors continued to threaten and came close to taking the lead when Toney found Trincao, but the Portuguese forward curled his effort wide.
Al Ahli were later awarded a penalty after Toney went down under a challenge from Williams, but the decision was overturned after the forward was adjudged to have been offside in the build-up.
Sundowns also had opportunities to regain the lead, with Khulumani Ndamane sending Aubrey Modiba’s free-kick over the crossbar from close range midway through the second half.
The decisive goal arrived in the 80th minute, when debutant Thabang Matuludi delivered a cross that Santos met with a diving header to complete his brace and restore Sundowns’ advantage.
The South African side held on to secure victory and continue their run in the competition.
Paris Saint-Germain won the 2025 FIFA Intercontinental Cup and received $5 million in prize money, while runners-up Flamengo received $4 million. Pyramids FC, who were eliminated in the Challenger Cup, received $2 million.